Early Childhood Education - Initial Licensure, Master of Education

This program is designed for individuals who wish to qualify for an initial license as an early childhood teacher in the Massachusetts public schools (Pre-k-2nd grade). There is an opportunity for an add-on license in special education.

General Prerequisites

A Bachelor of Arts or Science degree or at least 24 credits above the introductory level in arts and science courses, with at least 12 credits in one academic area

Satisfactory undergraduate transcripts

Admission Requirements

This licensure program is designed for individuals who already hold an undergraduate degree and who are seeking a master’s degree and an initial license and/or training in early childhood education (PreK-2).

This program is exempt from having to take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT

Additional Admission Requirements:

To be considered eligible, applicants must demonstrate a minimum of 2.75 GPA from undergraduate studies. They must also submit passing scores on the Communication and Literacy portion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.

End of program/licensure requirements:

To obtain an early childhood (PreK-2) Initial license in Massachusetts, teacher candidates must complete an approved teacher preparation program and pass the required, program-specific MTELs listed below.

The Salem State School of Education policy requires teacher candidates to pass all the MTELs listed below prior to the student teaching practicum.

Communication and Literacy (01)

Foundations of Reading (190) (EDU 725 Foundations of Reading prepares you for taking this MTEL)

Early Childhood (02) or (72) beginning Summer 2022

Completion policy:

Complete the required coursework, full-time pre-practicum (300 hours), full-time practicum (300 hours), and benchmark program assessments throughout the program.

Variable Credits:

Students who enter the program with specific course competencies taken prior to admission may be eligible for a reduction in the overall number of degree credits in the program. The program will require a minimum of 30 credits to complete, but if a student has demonstrated that they have taken a course in a similar competency, they do not need to retake the corresponding course at Salem State University. In the event that a student has substantial demonstrated competencies that would cause them to need fewer than 30 credits of the required courses in the program, the student will take alternative courses in consultation with the Program Coordinator to attain the minimum required credits for graduation.

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, you will complete a tentative Plan of Study in consultation with the program coordinator. You must request that any transfer credits be considered at this time. PLEASE NOTE THAT NO MORE THAN THREE COURSES TAKEN AT SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY BEFORE ADMISSION CAN BE COUNTED TOWARDS THIS PROGRAM. You should meet regularly with the program coordinator to discuss your progress and revise your plan of study as needed.

For the Introductory courses with variable credits, if these licensure competencies are met with prior coursework (experience is not used in determining if competencies have been met), these competencies are needed, they are requirements:

Summer Session I (9 Credits)

Summer Session II (6 - 7.5 credits)

Methods Courses Fall semester (11.5 credits)

(Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure prior to entering the practicum. This includes the Early Childhood Content test and the Foundations of Reading test.)

Practicum: Spring Semester (16 credits)

Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure prior to entering the practicum. This includes the Early Childhood Content test and the Foundations of Reading test)

Total Credits: 30-39.5

Courses for Add-On Special Education License: (19.5 credits)

*If you are enrolling in the special education license for MED in elementary education add-on, you must apply to the Special Education - Initial License in the summer prior to the methods semester and will take EDU 801 instead of EDC 796. Please consult your program coordinator for more information.

Total Credits for M.Ed. Childhood Education + Special Education License (30 - 62) variable credits)

Additional Information and Notes

*Student may take an elective in place of EDU 720 if they have taken a suitable course on child growth and development in the last five years. (Approval of program coordinator required.)

**Candidates for initial licensure must take and pass all required sections of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure prior to entering the practicum.